The Government has given local authorities in England new powers to hold public meetings virtually by using video or telephone conferencing technology. This is great news as it will allow more local people to participate in official Council decision making and consultation meetings.
The new powers include:
- Local Government Secretary confirms local authorities can hold public meetings remotely by video or telephone
- Government removes requirement for physical attendance at meetings
- Public will still have access to public meetings through remote means
- Change ensures effective local decision making and transparency during the national effort to fight the coronavirus pandemic
The full press release can be found here.